National News

2017 NEWS ITEMS

Investiture 2017 - The annual Investiture was held in Christchurch from 6-7 October. As has become tradition meetings of the various Order committees and trusts were also be held.

Historic Material - Further early newsletters have been digitised and made available at the bottom of the ‘News’ tab. A standing project has been commenced to locate and digitise records pertaining to the Order to ensure that history of the Order in New Zealand is not lost.

Investiture 2016 Photos - Photos from last year’s investiture in Wellington have been added to a Flickr gallery which is linked to from the ‘Gallery’ tab.

2016 NEWS ITEMS

Order of St Lazarus Prize in Dermatology - Awarded by the University of Otago, Wellington School of Medicine. This years recipient is Merrin Rutherford. For further information see the University of Otago website here.

Vice-Regal Patronage - In late November, the Order was notified by the office of the Governor-General of New Zealand that Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM, QSO, DStJ, Governor-General of New Zealand had agreed to again grant Vice-Regal Patronage to the Order in New Zealand.

Investiture Ceremony - This year's investiture was held at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Roseneath, Wellington on 15th October. The investiture was an outstanding success with three new Members appointed to the Order, two promotions to the Grade of Knight Commander, five promotions to the Grade of Knight and five promotions to the Grade of Officer. In addition two merit awards were made, consisting of a Gold Cross and a Silver Medal.

Wearing of Order Insignia - The Chancellor has issued updated guidance for the wear of Order insignia. This guidance has been updated to incorporate March 2016 comment provided by the Honours Unit of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and supersedes any previously issued guidance. It is available here.

2015 NEWS ITEMS

Girl Guiding New Zealand - as a result of support from the Grand Priory in New Zealand, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) National Leadership Development Programme (NLDP) – Train the Trainer workshop, was delivered in Auckland from April 9 to 15 April 2015. For further information see the Girl Guiding website article here.

Victim Support - On 20 April 2015 the Grand Priory in New Zealand made the first of three yearly donations to Victim Support for its work supporting the people of Canterbury. For further information see the media release on the Victim Support website here.

Order of St Lazarus Prize in Dermatology - Awarded by the University of Otago, Wellington School of Medicine. This years receipient is Claire Munro. For further information see the University of Otago website here.

New Zealand Brain Research Institute - The Grand Priory in New Zealand was hosted by the New Zealand Brain Research Institute to thank its Members for being a major donor to the Institute. See this post on Facebook for more information.

Investiture Ceremony - On Saturday 31 October an investiture ceremony was held in the Transitional Cathedral, Christchurch. Five new Members joined the Order and a number of existing Members were promoted or received other Awards for their dedication and service to the Order.

2014 NEWS ITEMS

Easter 2014 message - from the Ecclesiastical Grand Prior is available here

Order of St Lazarus Prize in Dermatology - Awarded by the University of Otago, Wellington School of Medicine. This years receipient is Swetaa Gandhi. For further information see the University of Otago website here.

Knitted gifts for Neonatal unit - Christchurch Women’s Hospitals’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) recieved more than 80 beautifully knitted garments for babies. The garments were knitted by inmates at Christchurch Women’s Prison using wool donated by The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. For further information see the Canterbury District Health Board newsletter here.

Investiture Ceremony - On Saturday 25 October an investiture ceremony was held in St Barnabas Anglican Church, Wellington. The investiture was followed by a formal investiture dinner at the Wellesley Boutique Hotel.

Order of St Lazarus Prize in Dermatology - Awarded by the University of Otago, Wellington School of Medicine. This years receipient is Joshua Chamberlain. For further information see the University of Otago website here.

New Zealand Brain Research Institute - The Grand Priory in New Zealand made a generous donation to the Institute. See this tweet for a photo of the occasion.

2012 NEWS ITEMS

Grand Magisterial Decree No. 17/12 - The previous New Zealand Commandery of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem was disestablished by the Grand Master on the 3rd of March 2012. According to the Decree members of that group may apply for membership of the New Zealand Grand Priory. The Decree is reproduced here.

2011 NEWS ITEMS

The Christchurch Earthquake - none of the members in the Canterbury Commandery lost their lives in the earthquake. However, the Canterbury Commander Janet Hadfield suffered a tragedy with extended family and we extend our sincere condolences. The Order in New Zealand has received many messages of condolence and offers of support from The Order internationally. We will be channelling any international donations received through the MHOSLJ National Charitable Trust to the appropriate Appeals/Authorities.

How to help - All of us will have been supporting the Christchurch Earthquake through any number of appeals but if you would like to direct a donation through the National Charitable Trust, here is the account number for direct credits and a postal address for cheques - both should be marked as 'Christchurch Earthquake':

Warming the cockles - The Order is working with the ChristchurchSociety of St Vincent De Paul to provide essential items at this time - thermal underwear andEco Dimplex domestic heaters.

R & R - Members of the Canterbury Commandery may require a break away from Christchurch to help recover from their ordeal. If anyone is prepared to host them please let us know by emailing Jan Hadfield - hadfield@xtra.co.nz. Thank you.

Letter from Grand Master - A letter has been received from the Grand Master dated 27 February, passing on his thoughts and prayers following the earthquake. A copy is available here.

Hospital Chaplaincy - The Order is also an active supporter of the National Hospital Chaplaincy Service, which is on our Designated Charity list.

2011 Yearbook - The 2011 Yearbook outlining our activities has been produced and is available here.

Letter from Grand Master - A letter was received from the Grand Master on August 9th 2011 and is available here.

Grand Master's Decree No 64/11 - The Grand Master's Decree No 64/11 is most pertinent to the New Zealand Grand Priory and is available here.

National Investiture and Associated Activities to be held in Christchurch, October 14th and 15th 2011. This also represents the start to the Golden Jubilee of the Order in New Zealand to which the Grand Master Don Carlos Gereda de Borbon Marquis de Almazan has been invited. The programme comprises a Vigil Service, followed by Cocktail Function on Friday 14th October, Investiture Service followed by a Banquet on Saturday 15th October 2011. More information on this exciting event will be released closer to the date.

Anzac of the Year Award 2011 - it is with much pride that we announce that Brigadier (retired) Dr Brian Thomas McMahon Knight Commander (KCLJ) of the NZ Grand Priory was honoured by receiving the Anzac of the Year Award 2011. Dr McMahon was described as being the quintessential New Zealand citizen soldier. To read more about this wonderful recognition read the article on the RSA's website.

Red Cross Poppies - the Order is involved with several fundraising exercises and the Otago Commandery made Red Cross Poppies as a fundraiser. They were presented to Don McCully GM of South Canterbury RSA. The Red Cross Poppies are available throughout the year from the RSA and are used to raise funds for their Welfare Fund. An Image of the presentation by Peter and Judy Lamsdale is available on the gallary page.

2010 NEWS ITEMS

Bulletin - The 2010 Bulletin outlining our activities has been produced and is available here.

Investiture of Kiingi Tuheitia - On 9 March 2010 Kiingi Tuheitia was invested as Knight Commander of Order of St Lazarus. For a press release see here.